Gemotions

He knocked. She opened the door, and the air shifted. His presence, usually a casual acquaintance, was… different. He stood there, sunlight glinting off his close-cropped hair, holding a small package. Her heart began to pound against her ribs, a wild, erratic rhythm.

"Hey, Alice. Just wanted to see if you were home. About the tree…" His voice, usually straightforward, had a rough edge, a catch that sent a jolt of awareness through her. The scent of his cologne, usually faint, now seemed to fill the entire hallway.

"Come in," she heard herself say, her voice sounding far away. She gestured towards the living room, feeling a warmth spread across her cheeks. The hem of her dress felt suddenly restrictive, her legs feeling weak.

"I was thinking," he began, his voice low and intimate, "the best approach would be to…" He didn't finish the sentence. His eyes met hers, and a silent understanding passed between them. A current of energy sparked in the space between them.